We were at my father's house for the holidays. He has one of those metal fire pits you buy at Home Depot and put in your backyard, like this one:

Fire PIt

Problem was: It doesn't really put out much heat.  Sure, you can add more wood.  But I was wondering if anybody makes one specifically designed to put out more heat, rather than just for ambiance?

Any recommendations?

http://www.amazon.com/Bayside-Wood-Burning-Outdoor-Fireplace/dp/B0053GA0PQ/ref=sr_1_7?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1353858681&sr=1-7&keywords=fire+pit



ours is similsr to this but it aint 27 lbs lol..its cast iron and is about twice as high as the one shown. it puts out a good amount of heat but your ourside so if its super cold well....lol


 

Lowes sells a kit made of paver stones, a steel ring, and some sand/pebbles. It works good as the bricks heat up they radiate the heat. Plus it won't rust out like the other fire pits.

Link to kit

It is usually in the lawn and garden area.

This one is good.

The lid keeps the heat from going straight up.

An open fire is only going to feel as warm as the amount of wood you pile on it as most of the heat is not captured.  The same principle as a fireplace vs a wood stove for warmth.  About the only patio/deck fire device that gives off any amount of radiant heat is a clay chiminea.  These have a small opening for loading wood so it limits your view of the fire.  That's a tradeoff you have to make fire view vs heat.

I make and sell heavy duty fire kettles from recycled propane tanks.  They make a pretty decent foot warmer as the steel heats up and radiates down while still allowing view of the fire:  http://ironhollowmetals.com

- JP